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November 6, 2008
Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care (OOSLTC), jointly with
Osteoporosis Canada, is pleased to report the upcoming debut launch of a new educational tool for
osteoporosis and fracture prevention. This first-in-its class tool is presented in DVD format and is aimed at
serving caregivers within the long-term care sector.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that causes bones to become severely
thin and fragile and to break easily. It’s a common and serious problem for long-term care residents and a
serious challenge for their caregivers. By 85 years of age, 85% of long-term care residents will suffer from
osteoporosis. The condition affects both men and women, with men usually suffering more deformity and
disability. Osteoporotic fractures present an important care issue; thus, promoting bone health is crucial,
as better bone health is critical to reducing fractures, disability, pain, hospitalizations, health
complications, and death.
On November 12, 2008, OOSLTC and Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, Geriatrician
and Lead of the OOSLTC will introduce the DVD, entitled: “Meeting the Challenge of Osteoporosis and Fracture
Prevention.” The event is hosted by OOSLTC and celebrated by staff and residents at The Village of Wentworth
Heights, 1620 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton. Media members are welcome to attend.
This short DVD reviews several Bone Health Protection strategies that
caregivers can use to ensure that long-term care residents are receiving good osteoporosis and fracture
prevention care. Good osteoporosis and fracture prevention care are vital to helping long-term care residents
achieve a quality of life that is as active as possible, and as enjoyable as possible, for as long as
possible.
The specific Bone Health Protection Strategies discussed in this DVD
include:
- Admission Assessment
- Fracture Assessment
- Daily Vitamin D and Calcium
- Osteoporosis Medications
- Hip Protectors
- Safe Transfers and Positioning
About Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term
Care
The Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care focuses on improving
the quality of life for residents with osteoporosis and at risk of sustaining a bone fracture. Osteoporosis
is serious problem for long-term care residents and a serious challenge for long-term care caregivers.
Contrary to what is believed, osteoporosis, not falls, is the number one cause of bone fractures in long-term
care homes. Although hip fractures are the most devastating type of osteoporotic fracture, the most common
fracture is a spinal fracture. Because of their silent nature, spinal fractures often go unnoticed and as
such, are under-diagnosed in long-term care. Hip fractures can cause significant pain and suffering and
greatly reduce a resident’s quality of life; 40% of residents never return to their previous health.
Fractures of the femur (hip) are the major reason for hospitalizations among long-term care residents, and
they account for 25% of all older adult femur fracture admissions.
Residents who have osteoporosis and have had a bone fracture are at high
risk for fracturing again. The Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy for Long-Term Care is working with the Long-Term
Care Sector to promote and implement evidence-based osteoporosis and fracture prevention care strategies. Key
efforts are focused on :
• Educating long-term care staff and service providers regarding the appropriate management of osteoporosis
and prevention of fractures; Promoting greater awareness and evidence-based care decisions regarding
osteoporosis, falls and fracture prevention;
• Developing user-friendly and appropriate resources for long-term care staff and service providers
• Advancing the long-term care-focused osteoporosis, fracture prevention and falls knowledge base through
research, literature reviews, surveys, publishing, presentations and collaborative partnerships.
About Osteoporosis Canada
Osteoporosis Canada, a registered charity, is the only national
organization serving people who have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis. The organization works to educate,
empower and support individuals and communities in the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis by
providing medically accurate information to patients, health professionals and the public. 1.4 million
Canadians suffer from osteoporosis. One in four women and at least one in eight men over the age of 50 has
osteoporosis. However, the disease can strike at any age. The cost of treating osteoporosis and the fractures
it causes is estimated to be $1.3 billion each year in Canada alone. Long term, hospital and chronic care
account for the majority of these costs. A national voluntary Board of Directors governs the organization. A
Scientific Advisory Council made up of medical and scientific experts from across the country provides
guidance in all medical matters. For more information visit the Osteoporosis Canada website at
www.osteoporosis.ca
For more information, visit the Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy website at
www.osteostrategy.on.ca, or call 1-800-463-6842.
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